Wildlife

Wild Adder Conservation Welfare UK

Adders are the UK's only venomous snake and face severe population pressure from habitat loss and persecution.

Key Facts

Adder populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and fragmentation
They are protected under UK law and cannot be legally killed or disturbed
Adder bites in humans are rare and almost never fatal with prompt treatment
Heathland and woodland edge management is essential for adder thermoregulation sites

Welfare Considerations

Adders killed through persecution or road traffic suffer avoidable mortality. Habitat fragmentation isolates populations preventing genetic exchange. Legal protection exists but awareness of adder ecology and conservation value is needed to reduce illegal killing.

What You Can Do

Report adder sightings to national recording schemes to support conservation
Never harm or disturb adders - this is illegal and harms conservation
Support heathland restoration providing adder thermoregulation habitat